Give Where You Live

Nov 20 2012

Once again the holiday season is upon us – a time to take pause and reflect on the year that was and all we’re grateful for. Last year, we were surprised to learn that more than 26,000 people live below the poverty line in Oakville – the place where Fathom Co does business and where most of our staff live. This simply couldn’t be right…could it??

It’s very easy to get busy during the holiday rush, to forget that there are countless families in need. Or dismiss the idea of donating to a “big charity” – perhaps unsure of where your money will end up. But how about this for an idea: Give Where Your Live.

Not sure where to start? Take a cue from the “Merry Elves” at Kmartwho secretly pay someone’s layaway bill, helping a family that perhaps can’t really afford those toys for their kids. Offer to pay for someone’s groceries one day – things are tight this time of year for many. Donate your time to the local Food Bank. Give away those clothes you’ve outgrown. Learn about local charities in your area that benefit families in need. In Oakville, the Christmas Wonders and Beyond program that is run by Kerr Street Ministries is an outreach program that offers gift cards and food boxes to those 26,000 needy families, allowing parents to shop with dignity and choose gifts for family and friends. The charity also sends a post-holiday note to tell you how your money benefited others and enabled them to have a happier holiday season.

Whether big or small, spreading the joy of the season is rewarding – for those you give to, and for the feeling it will bring you. So look for a way to give where you live – giving starts at home and seeing the impact your dollars or time can make is very powerful indeed. And just for the record, we’re not saying you should avoid world charitable organizations outside of your community. If you can give to those too, please do! For example, we love the Oxfam Unwrapped program and Sevenly.comto name just a few – these two charities provide unique gifts and help others at the same time. Genius!